Toyota has agreed to take a performance hit for the first time this season in next weekend's Fuji round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The two Toyota TS050 Hybrids will run at an increased minimum weight and will no longer have an advantage on stint length over the privateer LMP1 opposition at the Japanese marque's home race on October 14.

FIA's endurance committee issued a bulletin outlining the moves states that "these changes were only possible thanks to the agreement of the LMP1H [hybrid] competitor".

The weight of the Toyotas has been raised by 26kg to 904kg under the Equivalence of Technology regulations, the mechanism under which the WEC rule makers are attempting to balance hybrid and non-hybrid P1 cars.

That means that the TS050s will be nearly 100kg heavier than the lightest privateer cars.

The two-lap refuelling advantage for Toyota originally enshrined in the agreements governing the EoT for the 2018/19 WEC superseason has also been removed.

The target stint length for the privateers has now been brought up to that of the Toyotas.

The changes follow Toyota's domination of the Silverstone WEC round in August prior to the exclusion of the TS050s for a technical infringement.

They finished four laps up on the best of the privateer P1s after six hours of racing, despite changes to the EoT, again agreed by Toyota, following the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

WEC and series promoter the Automobile Club de l'Ouest made a promise of laptime parity to the privateers in the wake of Porsche's announcement last summer that it was leaving LMP1.

However, it was originally intended that the hybrid Toyotas would retain an advantage on stint length.

The FIA WEC LMP1 Privateer pack have been dealt a revised Equivalence of Technology for the 6 Hours of Shanghai in 10 days time.

The changes are designed to address sharp criticism levelled by the Privateer teams at Fuji that their cars were still having to lift and coast on each racing lap to meet the required fuel numbers per lap, and per stint despite two changes in EoT, one before, and one during track action in Japan

Both values have been increased for the race in China alongside the regular minor changes that are made for each circuit, the latter measure also seeing adjustments for the Toyotas, the base values linked to the lap length at each track.

Fuel per stint has been adjusted to ensure that the Privateers are able to match the lap stints of the Toyotas.

Minor changes have been made too to the refuelling rig fuel flow restrictors to equalise fueling times across the Hybrid Toyotas, and the turbocharged and normally aspirated non-Hybrid privateers.

With the biggest LMGTE Pro field (outside the 24 Hours of Le Mans) ever in an FIA WEC race, the focus in the 6 Hours of Shanghai will well and truly be on the manufacturer entries and their world-class drivers.

The GTE Pro field will be joined by Corvette Racing in Shanghai

Who will be successful? It’s too close to call, but here’s what some of the drivers have to say ahead of the race.

James Calado, AF Corse - No.51 Ferrari 488 GTE: “It’s good to have Corvette Racing there for an extra element of competition. We know their racing reputation, something they’ve shown many times at Le Mans, and it will be exciting to have them in Shanghai. It’s a good track, but not been a great one for Ferrari in previous years in terms of results…up until now. We’re optimistic to get a good outcome, will stay positive and see where we can finish.”

Oliver Gavin, Corvette Racing - No. 64 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R: “It’s fantastic to go to Shanghai and compete in the World Endurance Championship. The last time we saw most of those competitors was at Le Mans. We know it’s tight, it’s tough and very competitive so we’re looking forward to it; it’ll be great to see the challenge of the race in China. Whenever Corvette Racing goes anywhere, it’s to win. A victory would be very, very sweet.”

Harry Tincknell

Harry Tincknell, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK - No.67 Ford GT: “We have many good memories from Shanghai as we’re undefeated there. Last year was the toughest win of my career. It was a topsy-turvy race with lots of different tyre strategies going on; Andy had to make some great passes when he had the new tyres and I had to defend for my life, lap after lap, when I had the old tyres. I remember just taking it corner by corner, holding off the Porsche, counting down the laps until I could get on some fresh rubber. It was absolutely exhausting being attacked from all sides but that made it even sweeter when we took the win. We’re going for the threepeat this year!”

Nicky Catsburg, BMW Team MTEK - No.81 BMW M8 GTE: “I think it is great that Corvette is joining us in Shanghai - it will make an already ultra-competitive class even more competitive. They just won the IMSA championship in the US and, from what I remember from racing them in the States, it will not be easy to beat them in the WEC. But, we are very much up to the challenge, so bring it on!”

Gianmaria Bruni.

Gianmaria Bruni, Porsche GT Team - No.91 Porsche 911 RSR: "This is the last race of the 2018 year before the WEC Super Season continues next March in Sebring, USA. I always like going racing in Shanghai. The circuit is one of the best in the whole world. I'm looking forward to tackling the race with Richard in the Porsche 911 RSR at this special venue. I've always had a lot of positive experiences in China so I'm heading there feeling great."

Marco S°rensen, Aston Martin Racing - No.95 Aston Martin Vantage: “I think Shanghai is going to be our turn now and it has to be. We are going to push like crazy to be where we need to be. And with Corvette, Aston Martin’s close rivals for so many years, joining the whole race it’s going to be amazing. The GTE class is definitely going to be the class to watch.”

Dates announced for WEC Prologue and Rookie Test.
The first full cross-year FIA WEC season will begin in September 2019 and the dates for two important occasions have today been announced to complement the already-published 2019-2020 calendar.

The WEC Prologue will be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July 2019, this being the first opportunity for all entrants to test new cars, drivers or components in a competitive setting.

The first race of the season will be the 4 Hours of Silverstone on 1st September, some five weeks later.

Also announced is the 2018-2019 season Rookie test (art 9.1 of the FIA WEC Sporting Regulations) will held at Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday 15th December 2019, the day after the 8 Hours of Bahrain, round 4 of the WEC’s 8th season.

WEC-nominated “Rookie” drivers will be awarded a minimum of 30 laps during the test day, and the five hours of track time is also available to other WEC competitors should they wish to profit from the opportunity to evaluate potential drivers.

Tristan Vautier returns to JDC-Miller MotorSports full time in 2019 to race alongside 2018 Sahlen’s Six Hour winner, Misha Goikhberg in the No. 85 Cadillac DPi-V.R. Formula One legend Rubens Barrichello will join Vautier and Goikhberg at Daytona and GP3 young gun Devlin DeFrancesco returns to JDC after two strong performances with the team in 2018 to round out the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona entry for the No. 85. Juan Piedrahita will join the No. 85 car for the remaining endurance races at Sebring, Watkins Glen and Petit LeMans.

“We are very excited about our driver roster for the Rolex 24 and the whole season,” said JDC-Miller MotorSports team owner, John Church. We announced our purchase of the Cadillacs in September. We’ve been working steadily all fall to put together a stealth group of drivers to compete for race wins in 2019. Chris, Misha, Stephen and Simon were very competitive last year. Devlin had two great runs with us in 2018, and Juan and Tristan have raced with us in the past as they developed their driving careers. It’s great to welcome all of them back. Last, but certainly not least, we’re thrilled to welcome Rubens to the team. It’s an honor for us, it’s a great opportunity for our team and we look forward to providing him with a very competitive effort.”

Barrichello will make his fifth start at the iconic 24-hour race. He last competed at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2016 driving the Corvette DP for Wayne Taylor Racing. “I can’t wait! I love this race and I am very happy to return. I know the team had a good event last year with a sixth-place finish. I am excited to work hard for a great finish and have an enjoyable weekend and give the fans a great race.”

The International cast of drivers at JDC-Miller includes natives of eight countries: Brazil (Barichello), Canada (DeFrancesco), Columbia (Piedrahita), France (Vautier), South Africa (Simpson), Switzerland (Trummer), Russia (Goikhberg) and the U.S.A. (Miller). The stout line-up brings experience and race wins from the worlds top levels of motorsports including Formula One, IndyCar, IMSA, Stock Car and World Endurance Challenge. “I want to credit John Church for putting such a strong driver line up together across both the #84 and #85 cars, said JDC-Miller veteran Stephen Simpson. He continued, “John runs a fantastic operation which is continuing to go from strength to strength with the goal of becoming Championship winning material.”

The team took delivery of their first Cadillac DPi-V.R just one month ago and is set to complete their first test next week at Sebring. Misha Goikhberg commented: “I am looking forward to taking what we learned competing alongside the DPi’s the past two seasons and actually applying it in our own Cadillac DPi-V.R. I think this year the DPi field will be even more competitive than before, and I cherish that level of competition.”

The Minnesota based JDC-Miller MotorSports has left a large footprint on the IMSA record books in short amount of time. Stephen Simpson, Misha Goikhberg and Chris Miller won the 2016 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona competing in the IMSA PC class with JDC-Miller. They quickly transitioned to the top ranks of Sports Car racing in 2017, joining the prototype category and scored two second place finishes and finished fourth in the series championship in their rookie season. Their success and growth continued in 2018, when they introduced a two-car effort and scored a victory at the Sahlen’s Six Hour with Goikhberg, Simpson and Miller and a pole at Road America with Simon Trummer and Robert Alon. Once again, JDC-Miller MotorSports, finished fourth in the series championship, but this time against an even larger and more competitive IMSA WeatherTech Championship field. For more information, please visit: www.jdcmotorsports.com.

DRIVER QUOTES, Car No. 84:

Stephen Simpson: On new teammates Simon Trummer and Juan Piedrahita: “I am very excited to have Simon as my team mate for the new season. Simon had some very strong performances in his debut season in IMSA and showed his potential. We get along very well, we have good chemistry and I am looking forward to getting to work. It will be great to have Juan join us for the Rolex 24 in the #84. I have known Juan for a handful of years and was previously his coach when he raced in Indy Lights. I know he is going to be a strong addition. Additionally, I am very happy to be continuing to share the car with Chris for the long races. Chris is quick and a great team mate. This will be our 6th season driving together in the long races, we will both miss Misha but are excited for the whole team and driver pairings.”

On the transition to the Cadillac and Michelin Tires: “Racing the Cadillac DPi is something I am very proud of. I am very much looking forward to being part of the GM family and hopefully adding to their win tally. Michelin make fantastic tires, I have no doubt lap records will be broken during the season as the tire is quicker than what we have previously used. The tire also feels different and certain setup changes that worked on the other tire might not necessarily work on the Michelin’s, so it will be a good challenge figuring them out and making the most of them.”

Simon Trummer: “After a great first year in IMSA and the US racing for me, I’m super excited to continue here in the United States of America again with JDC-Miller MotorSports. I love the dedication to the sport they have. Both, John Church, and John Miller are true racers, and so am I. With Stephen as my Teammate, I believe we have a very strong line up. Already during this past season, we matched very well, and could improve together our 07’s every race weekend. I would like to say thank you to John Church, John Miller, my Family and my sponsors, who believe in me and supporting me in my passion and dreams.”

On his experience with Dallara: “To be on the grid with a Cadillac dpi is such a privilege, I know the people from Dallara since a long time, as I raced Formula 2 back in the days, so all this makes me very confident that we have a competitive package together and can fight for something big.”

Chris Miller: On the evolution and growth of the team going into 2019: "With the Cadillac DPi-V. R we know we have a car capable of competing for wins nearly everywhere we go this season. For the team to take the next step forward, everyone felt it was important to put together driver line-ups for both cars that could win races. I don't think we could be much happier about the group we ended up with. Continuity within the team has always been a big asset for us, so it’s great to have five of the drivers continue from last year and to also welcome back Juan and Tristan to JDC. The addition of Rubens for Daytona is also exciting and speaks to the growth and strength of the team."

Juan Piedrahita: On his transition to Sports Cars: "I'm very excited to have the opportunity to drive the Cadillac DPi-V. R this season, it looks like an amazing car and from what I hear the feel of the car is very close to an open wheel car, so I can’t wait to go on track.”

On his return to JDC-Miller MotorSports: “When we decided to investigate the endurance races JDC-Miller was our first choice, I’ve known all the JDC guys for more than 10 years now and we shared a great time in the Road to Indy together where we were very competitive both in USF2000 and Pro Mazda. I'm very looking forward to the Daytona 24 race, the team has great line up in both cars and I'm pretty sure we can be very competitive, for me personally I look forward to learn from my team mates and help the team be in the podium."

DRIVER QUOTES, Car No. 85:

Misha Goikhberg: On his new teammate, Tristan Vautier and 2019 season: “I welcome Tristan, his talents and experiences with the Cadillac to our #85 entry, which would hopefully result in us being able to fight for wins. I am also excited to work with Rubens and Devlin, one is already an absolute legend in our sport while the other is a proven F3 driver with a bright future in racing. It's fun to have these different perspectives during big events like the Daytona 24, as it gives us all an opportunity to learn from each other. I'd also like to thank Stephen (Simpson) and Chris (Miller) for being the best teammates over the past 4 seasons, I will miss driving alongside them, but at the same time, I know we will work together to bring JDC-Miller package forward, albeit in different cars. Thankfully the first test is soon, which means our 2019 season has already started.”

Tristan Vautier: On his return to JDC-Miller MotorSports and the team’s evolution since they last worked together in 2011: "We won the Star Mazda Championship together in 2011, which was a turning point in my career, so being re-united with the Team feels pretty special. It is funny because for the last four years, every time we would cross paths in the paddock, the two Johns (John Church and John Miller), Matthias and I would always joke about when would we be able to race together again, and now here we are. I am impressed with how many steps forward the team has been able to make since their Sports Car debut in LMPC, and really optimistic about our chances to do well.”

On bringing his experience with the Cadillac DPi-V.R to JDC-Miller MotorSports: “I raced the Cadillac last season, it's an amazing car to drive, and I hope that my experience with it will help us get up to speed as fast as we can. I'm grateful to the Team and Misha for the trust they are putting in me, now let's go get the job done!"

Rubens Barrichello: I am super excited to compete in the Rolex 24 again, I love this race. In fact, I love the series and I almost won the Rolex 24 once with the Taylor brothers. I know JDC-Miller had a good event last year with sixth place, so I hope we can really enjoy our weekend and give our best for the best possible position. I am really excited, and I can’t wait for it!”

Devlin DeFrancesco: “I am so looking forward to Daytona. I am really looking forward to being back with everyone at JDC-Miller. I really enjoyed the two races last year (Rolex 24 and Petit LeMans), it’s a great team, great engineers and it almost feels more like a family team, so it’s great to be back. We had a decent result with decent pace even with the balance of performance in the P2 at Road Atlanta, so I am really looking forward to coming back in the DPi. I am excited to see what we can do and possibly going to get a Rolex.”